Operating mechanism



Oct. 8, 1946. c. E. FREESE OPERATING MECHANISM Filed Oct. 13, 1945 Ihvemtor awfles E. Freese,

WW a? 1% by His Attorney Patented Oct. 8, 1946 OPERATING MECHANISM Charles E. Freese, Scotia, N.'Y., assignorto General Electric Company, a corporation of New York Application October 13, 1943, Serial No. 506,053

13 Claims.

My invention relates to improvements in operating mechanisms and especially operating mechanisms for actuating a member mounted for reciprocating rectilinear movement, and more particularly to electrically controlled and actuated operating mechanisms for electric switches.

It is frequently desirable in electric switches to have a member movable back and forth in a straight line to actuate a movable circuit controlling member such, for example, as a bridging contact. With such structure, there are two main conditions to be satisfied. One is to maintain the switch 'in the closed circuit position, especially against the magnetic loop expansion effect, and also to maintain the switch in the open circuit position against the effects of gravity, shocks and the like. The other is to operate the switch by relatively simple electromagnetic means which does not have to be continuously energized to maintain the switch in either of its open or its closed circuit positions.

An object of my invention is to provide an improved operating mechanism whereby a rectilinearly movable member can be actuated to and positively maintained'in either of two controlling positions. Another object of my invention is to provide an electromagnetically actuated operating mechanism for actuating a rectilinearly movable member to either of two controlling positions and maintaining the member in either of said positions independently of the energization of the mechanism. A further object of my invention is to provide a relatively simple and economical electromagnetically operated mechanism for a re'ctilinearly movable 'member wherein movement of an armature to the attracted position efiects a part of the movement of the member from one control position to another and stores energy for effecting the remainder of the movement of the member upon movement of the armature to its normal unattracted position. These and other objects of my invention will appear in more detail hereinafter.

In accordance with my invention, I provide an operating mechanism in which a member mounted for reciprocating rectilinear movement of a predetermined extent is actuated between two controlling positions by an actuator mounted for reciprocating rectilinear movement in a direction at a predetermined angle to the direction of movement of the member. Also in accordance with my invention, a part of the predetermined movement of the member in one direction is accomplished by a complete movement of the actuator in one direction and the remainder of the movement of the member in said one direction by the complete reverse movement of the actuator. Further in accordance with my invention, the actuator is in effect the armature of an electromagnet which, when energized to move to the attracted position, effects a part of the movement of the member and stores sufiicient energy in a suitable element, such as a spring, for eifecting the return movement of the armature and the remainder of the movement of the member. Again in accordance with my invention, I provide connecting means between the member and the actuator such as to maintain the member in either of its extreme positions without maintenance of the energization of the actuating means.

My invention will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawing, and its scope will be pointed out in the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawing, Fig. '1 illustrates an operating mechanism embodying my invention as applied to the operation of a bridging contact type of electric switch with the switchshown in the closed position; Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1, with the parts in the positions they occupy when the switch is partly open; and Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 1 showing the switch in the full open circuit position.

In the operating mechanism shown for the purpose of illustrating my invention, a member 5 and an actuator 6 therefor are respectively mounted for reciprocating rectilinear movement of predetermined extents in directions having a predetermined angular relation, 90 as shown. For smooth movement with a minimum of friction, the member 5 is mounted between suitable means such as rollers 1, which are suitably pivotally supported at 8 on a flat plate or the like, the face of which may be considered to be in the plane of the drawing. Similarly, the actuator 6 is guided between rollers 9, suitably pivotally supported at Ill, and through an aperture in an outstanding flange or shelf Ii. For electric switch operation, the member 5 is provided with an extension [2 of suitable insulating material to which is attached a bridging contact l3 so mounted as to move into and out of engagement with spaced stationary terminal contacts M, which, as shown, are mounted on suitably supported insulators IS. The bridging contact I3 is preferably somewhat loosely mounted on the 3 member 5 so as to allow for manufacturing tolerances in alignment.

In accordance with my invention, I provide means for effecting a part of the movement of the member 5 in either direction, that is, right or left as viewed in the drawing, upon a complete downward movement of the actuator 6 and the remainder of the movement of the member 5 upon a complete upward or reverse movement of the actuator 6. As shown, this means comprises a link I6 which is pivotally connected at IT to the actuator 6 and at 18 to the member 5. For convenience in structure, the pivot I8 is mounted on an arm l9 rigidly secured to the member 5 although, as far as my invention is concerned, the pivot 18 can be directly on the member itself. For maintaining the member 5 in either of its extreme positions, the link I6 is arranged to lie on opposite sides of the actuator 6 and, in order to provide the maximum holding effect, preferably substantially parallel to the member, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3.

For moving the actuator 6 downward or effectmg what I shall term the forward action of the actuator, I provide suitable electromagnetic means shown as comprising an energizing winding 20 and a plunger armature 2|, which is suitably connected as by a pivot 22 to the actuator 6. For eifecting the upward or reverse movement of the actuator 6, I provide means such as a spring 23 in which energy is stored during the movement of the armatur 2i to the attracted position.

Considering now the forward movement of the armature, that is, downward to the attracted position, it will be observed that at the end of this movement the link I6 is in alignment with the actuator 6, as shown in Fig. 2. Since this is in effect a dead center position, the spring 23 might not be able to expend its stored energy upon the deenergization of the winding 20 if the inertia of the moving parts did not carry the pin l8 past dead center. In order to avoid any such possibility, I provide means for moving the link It past its alignment with the actuator B, that is, through the dead center position. As shown, this means comprises a strut 24 which is loosely supported in the flange ll so as to have a limited angular movement relatively thereto and which is provided at its upper end with a guide yoke 25. The strut 24 is also provided with a projection 26 which bears against the actuator 5 to maintain the strut substantially parallel to the plane of the drawing. Th yoke carried on the upper end of the strut 24 is urged upwardly toward the link It by suitable means such as a helical compression spring 21 around the strut 24 and between the flange l I and the yoke 25 so as to engage one or the other of projections 28, 29 mounted on the link upon rotation thereof about its pivot l1 respectively counterclockwise or clockwise. When the member 5 is in either of its extreme positions, the bearing yoke 25 does not engage either of the projections 28 or 29, but as the actuator 6 is moved downwardly the pin 29 or 29 nearer the yoke 25 engages the yoke to compress the energy storing means or spring 29 and also to cause a slight deflection of the strut in such a direction that the force of the spring provides a torque tending to turn the link 16 through the dead center position in the desired direction of movement of the member 5. This torque can be controlled, as desired, by choosing the proper spring. Any tendency to stick in the dead center position due to manu 4 facturing tolerances can also be alleviated to some extent by having a slight lost motion between the pin l1 and the link IE, but ordinarily the torque of the spring 21 is suflicient for ensuring a past center movement.

For controlling the energization of the electromagnetic means, I provide a circuit energized from a suitable source, not shown, and comprising conductors, 3'13, 3| and 32. In accordance with my invention, this circuit is arranged to be controlled by a control switch 33 and two limit switches 34 and 35 whose operation, as shown, is controlled by the movement of the member 5. Thus, as shown, the limit switches 34 and 35 are biased to the open circuit position and are of the cam and ride type, suitable camming means 34' and being provided on the insulating member i2. Preferably, the camming means 34 is such that in the closed position of the bridging contact iii the limit switch 34 is closed and remains closed until just prior to the completion of the downward stroke of the actuator ii in order to reduce the shock of the armature closing movement. When the switch 34 opens it remains open until the final half of the return or closing movement of the member 5. Similarly, the camming means 35' is such that the limit switch 35 is open when the bridging contact [3 is in the closed circuit position and remains open until the member 5 has been moved to its intermediate position, whereupon the switch 35 is closed and remains closed after the member 5 has been retracted to the final switch open position, as shown in Fig. 3.

Assuming the parts positioned as shown in Fig. l and that it is desired to move the bridging contact I3 to the open circuit position, then the control switch 33 is moved from the closing position C, shown in Fig. 1, to the opening position 0, shown in Figs. 2 and 3. Thereupon, as will be apparent from Fig. l, the circuit of the energizing winding 20 is completed as follows: conductor 3i, winding 20, conductor 32, control switch 33, conductor 36, contacts 31 of the limit switch 34, and condoctor 30. The plunger armature 2i is then actuated to the attracted position shown in Fig. 2. During this forward movement of the plunger armature, the actuator B is pulled downwardly to produce counterclockwise movement of the link it into the alignment position shown in Fig, 2 to effect substantially one-half of the movement of the member 5 to the left, as Viewed in the drawing. During the downward movement of the actuator 6, the pin 28 on the link I6 is brought into engagement with the yok 25 to compress the spring 21 and deflect the upper end of the strut 24 to the right, as shown in Fig. 2. This provides a relatively strong counterclockwise torque tending to continue the counterclockwise turning of the link I6.

Inasmuch as the limit switch 34 has opened just prior to the alignment position, the armature 2| is no longer maintained in th attracted position, and consequently the actuator B is free to move upwardly to continue the counterclockwise movement of the link l6 and will be assisted in effecting this movement through the dead center position by the energy stored in the spring 21, Accordingly, upon completion of the revers movement of the actuator 5, the link IE will lie substantially parallel to th member 5, as shown in Fig. 3, so as to maintain the member 5 and the parts carried thereby in the open circuit position shown in Fig. 3. At the same time, the spring 21 causes the strut 24 to assume its straight up and down position since the points of the yoke 25 lie "below the bottom of the pin 29 when the parts are positioned as in'F-ig. 3 and also below the pin 28 when the parts are positioned as inFig. 1.

If it is desired to move the bridging contact l3 to the closed circuit position, the control switch '33 is moved'to the closed position C to complete the energizing circuit of the solenoid through conductor 38 and the contacts $9 of the limit switch 35, which was moved to the closed position by the camming means 35 at the beginning of the upward movement of the actuator 6 where ment the link [6 is turned clockwise and the yoke -engages the pin 29 to help throw the link past dead center so that the actuator 6 is free to complete its up stroke upon the opening of the limit switch 3'5, whereupon the link is moved into position substantiall parallel with the member 5,

as shown in Fig. 1, so as to maintain the bridging ember l3 in the closed circuit position.

From the foregoing, it will be observed that the electromagnetic means for effecting the operation of the member 5 is energized only during the initial part of the movement Of the member 5 in either of its circuit controlling movements. Also it will be observed that the member 5 is positively maintained in each of its extreme positions by virtue of the relative positioning of this member and the link [6.

While I have shown and described my invention in considerable detail, I do not desire to be limited to the exact arrangements. shown, but seek to cover in the appended claims all those modifications that fall within the true spirit and scope of my invention.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. An operating mechanism comprising a member and an actuator therefor respectively mounted for reciprocating rectilinear movement of predetermined extents in directions substantially perpendicular to each other, and means for effecting substantially one-half of the movement of said member in either direction of its movement upon a complete forward movement of the actuator and substantially the other half of the movement of said member in the direction of the first half of the movement upon a complete reverse movement of the actuator.

2. An operating mechanism comprisin a member and an actuator therefor respectively mounted for reciprocating rectilinear movement of predetermined extents in directions having a predetermined angular relation, and means for effecting a part of the movement of said member in one direction of its movement upon a predetermined forward movement of the actuator and the remainder of the movement of said member in said one direction of its movement upon a predetermined reverse movement of the actuator.

3. An operating mechanism comprising a member and an actuator therefor respectively mounted for reciprocating rectilinear movement of predetermined extents in directions substantially perpendicular to each other, and means for effecting substantially one-half of the movement of said member in one direction of its movement upon a complete forward movement of the actuator and substantially the other half of the movement of said member in said one direction of its movement upona complete reverse movement of the actuator.

4. An operating mechanism comprising a member and an actuator therefor respectively mounted for reciprocating rectilinear movement of predetermined extents in directions having a predetermined angular relation, and means for effooting a part of the movement of said member in one direction of its movement upon a complete forward movement of the actuator and the remainder of the movement of said member in said one direction of its movement upon a complete reverse movement of the actuator including means for positivel maintaining said member in one of its extreme positions.

5. An operatin mechanism comprising a member and an actuator therefor respectively mounted for reciprocating rectilinear movement of predetermined extents in directions substantially perpendicular to each other, and means for effecting substantially one-half of the movement of said member in either direction of its movement upon a complete forward movement of the actuator and substantially the other half of the movement of said member in the direction of the first half of the movement upon a complete reverse movement of the actuator including means for positively maintaining said member in each of its extreme positions.

6. An operating mechanism for electric switches comprising a contact operator and an actuator therefor respectively mounted for reciprocating rectilinear movement of predetermend extents in directions substantially perpendicular to each other, electromagnetically actuated means for effecting substantially one-half of the movement of said contact operator in one direction of its movement upon a complete forward movement of the actuator and substantially the other half of the movement of said contact operator in said one direction of its movement upon a complete reverse movement of the actuator, and means controlled by said contact operator for effectively deenergizing said electromagnetically actuated means at an intermediate point of the movement of said contact operator.

7. An operating mechanism comprising a memher and an actuator therefor respectively mounted for reciprocating rectilinear movement of predetermined extents in directions substantially perpendicular to each other, means for effecting substantially one-half of the movement of said member in one direction of its movement upon a complete forward movement of the actuator and substantiall the other half of the movement of said member in said one direction of its movement upon a complete reverse movement of the actuator, electromagnetic means for effecting the forward movement of said actuator, and means in which energy is stored during the forward movement of the actuator for effecting the reverse movement thereof.

8. An operating mechanism comprising a, member mounted for reciprocating rectilinear movement of a predetermined extent, electromagnetic actuating means therefor comprising an armature mounted for reciprocating rectilinear movement in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of said member, means for effecting substantially one-half of the movement of the member in one direction of its movement upon energization of said electromagnet and movement of its armature to the attracted position, means for effecting the deenergization of the electromagnet substantially upon the completion of the movement of the armature to the attracted position, and means comprising an element in which energy is stored during the movement of the armature to the attracted position for effecting the other half of the movement of said member in said one direction of it movement.

9. An operating mechanism comprising a member and an actuator therefor respectively mounted for reciprocating rectilinear movement in directions having a predetermined angular relation, a link pivotally connected to said member and to said actuator and arranged to lie in either of two positions respectively on opposite sides of the actuator, means for moving the actuator in one direction to turn said link from one of said positions into substantial alignment with the actuator whereby to move the member a. predetermined amount in a given direction, means for moving the link past said alignment, and means for moving the actuator oppositely to said one direction to turn said link into the other of said positions whereby to mov the member farther in said given direction.

10. An operating mechanism comprising a member and an actuator therefor respectively mounted for rectilinear movement in directions substantially perpendicular to each other, a link pivotally connected to said member and to said actuator and arranged to lie in either of two positions respectively on opposite sides of the actuator, electromagnetic means for moving said actuator in one direction to turn said link from one of said positions into alignment with the actuator whereby to move the member a predetermined amount in a given direction, mean in which energy is stored during movement of the actuator in said one direction for moving the link past said alignment, and means in which energy i stored during movement of the actuator in said one direction for effecting movement thereof in the opposite direction to turn said link into the other of said positions whereby to move the member farther in said given direction.

11. An operating mechanism comprising a member and an actuator therefor respectively mounted for rectilinear movement in directions substantially perpendicular to each other, a link pivotally connected to said member and to said actuator and arranged to lie in either of two positions respectively on opposite sides of the actuator, means for moving said actuator in one direction to turn said link from one of said positions into substantial alignment with the actuator whereby to move the member a predetermined amount in a given direction, means for moving the link past said alignment, and means for moving the actuator oppositely to said one direction to turn said link into the other of said positions whereby to move the member farther in said given direction.

12. An operating mechanism comprising a member and an actuator therefor respectively mounted for rectilinear movement in directions substantially perpendicular to each other, a link pivotally connected to said member and to said actuator and arranged to lie in either of two positions respectively on opposite sides of the actuator, electromagnetic means for moving said actuator in one direction to turn said link from one of said positions into alignment with the actuator whereby to move the member a predetermined amount in a given direction, a circuit for controlling the energization of said electromagnetic means, means responsive to said predetermined movement of the member for opening sai circuit, means in which energy is stored during the movement of the actuator in said one direction for moving the link past said alignment, and means in which energy is stored during the movement of the actuator in said one direction for moving the actuator in the opposite direction to turn said link into the other of said positions whereby to move the member farther in said given direction.

13. An operating mechanism comprising a member and an actuator therefor respectively mounted for rectilinear movement in directions substantially perpendicular to each other, a link pivotally connected to said member and to said actuator and arranged to lie in either of two positions respectively on opposite sides of the actuator, electromagnetic means effective when energized to move said actuator in one direction to turn said link from one of said positions into alignment with the actuator whereby to move the member a predetermined amount in a given direction, means dependent upon said predetermined movement of the member for efiecting the deenergization of said electromagnetic means, means for moving the link past said alignment, and means operative upon deenergization of said electromagnetic means for moving the actuator oppositely to said one direction to turn said link into the other of said positions whereby to move the member farther in said given direction.

CHARLES E. FREESE. 

